ENTHUSIASTIC runners take to the start line every weekend to race against friends, get a new PB or just enjoy an early morning jog.

Greenock Parkruners meet at the Esplanade every Saturday at 9.30am, rain and shine, to take park in the 5k race.

Stephen Reid completed his 300th Parkrun on the last race of 2024 (Image: Alex Craig) At the final meeting of the year, runner Stephen Reid completed his 300th parkrun.

All running albitites are welcome with some parents pushing prams and dogs running alongside their owners - the race on Saturday, December 28 saw 140 people take part, with the youngest runner aged 10.

Runners of all ages and abilities can join the race with some people walking the 5k route along the Esplanade (Image: Alex Craig)

ON YOUR MARKS: 140 runners took part in the last 5k of 2024 (Image: Alex Craig)

All 28 volunteers who help get runners over the finish line safely (Image: Alex Craig) Alongside the runners, the race would not be possible without the many volunteers who help steward the event, ensuring runners are safe and supplying words of encouragement when needed - there were 28 volunteers at the race last weekend.

Race Director, John Stevenson is a regular runner and volunteer, having completed over 200 races and helped out at 110, he told the Tele : "The volunteers mean the race can go ahead smoothly and efficiently each week.

"We always want runners to enjoy themselves, but more importantly we want our runners to be safe and that is why its is so important we have stewards."

(Image: Alex Craig)

(Image: Alex Craig)

(Image: Alex Craig)

(Image: Alex Craig) He continued: "There are volunteers who come along every weekend who have never taken part in the running but love to come along and help get the runners over the finish line, they get to see the hard work and struggle of the runners and then get to see them cross the line with a smile on their faces."

John hopes to see some new faces join Parkrun in the New Year, he said: "the ethos of the club is that its for everyone - it doesn't matter if you complete the race in 15 minutes or one hour and 15 minutes. "

(Image: Alex Craig)

(Image: Alex Craig)

(Image: Alex Craig)

(Image: Alex Craig)

(Image: Alex Craig)

(Image: Alex Craig)

(Image: Alex Craig)

(Image: Alex Craig)Every week the group meet in The James Watt for a post-run coffee and catch-up, with a pacing week on the last Saturday of every month.

The Parkrun are always looking for more volunteers. If you are interested in helping out you can get in contact with greenock@parkrun.com.